This vast reserve lies in an area of recent volcanic lava flows known as 'Shetani Lava'. The crystal clear waters of the Mzima Springs invite various aquatic animals especially the hippo to dwell in these pools. Impala, zebra, elephant, giraffe, monkeys and a variety of birds inhabit these areas. Tsavo West offers lodges and safari camps from the exclusive and luxurious ones for those who safari in style, to the self-catering ones. Ngulia Safari Camp is not far from Ngulia Lodge which is an ornithologists retreat. The first wildlife lodge built in Kenya, the Kilaguni Lodge, lies in this reserve.